Nepal police fire on protesters

Reporter: Stephen McDonell

TONY JONES: In Nepal, police have fired on a massive crowd of demonstrators, who defied a curfew to march on the capital, calling for an end to the King's absolute rule. A shoot to kill order had been issued for anyone who breached the curfew, but that didn't stop more than 100,000 demonstrators taking to the streets. At least three people have been killed in the clashes; dozens more were wounded. Stephen McDonell reports.

STEPHEN McDONELL: A huge crowd of demonstrators has defied a curfew in the Nepalese capital to try and force the King to accept multi-party democracy. Weeks of dissent, like that seen here yesterday, resulted in today's shoot to kill threat from police against any protesters. But it failed to prevent an estimated 115,000 protesters from descending on the Nepalese capital, including women and children. In recent hours, police fired on protestors trying to enter central Kathmandu - still sealed off by security forces. At least three people have been killed; some, reportedly shot at close range.

NICK BRYANT, BBC REPORTER: Kalanki was where the shooting that took place; live ammunition used against the crowd. You'll remember, there is a shoot-on-sight curfew in place. The police and security forces and the Royal Nepalese Army have been using very heavy-handed techniques for the past two weeks.

STEPHEN McDONELL: Earlier, an Indian special envoy met political parties and also the King, who received a message from the Indian Prime Minister.

DR KAREN SINGH, INDIAN ENVOY: We have made certain suggestions to his majesty and, really, the ball is in his court now; I wouldn't like to preempt what he may or what he may or not do. But we have very clearly expressed our views and our concerns and we are hopeful that the upshot will be positive.

STEPHEN McDONELL: This is the third week of a general strike designed to bring about democratic rule in the Himalayan kingdom. The curfew was declared after Wednesday's violent clashes, when witnesses say four protesters were shot dead and many more wounded. But from early today, pro-democracy demonstrators have been determined to make this a flash point to end the King's rule.

PRESHU RAM PHOKERAL, PRO DEMOCRACY DEMONSTRATOR (Translation): Today, we are protesting at 12:00 and we'll break the curfew with a big crowd. We'll be going to the King's palace and we will get democracy today.

STEPHEN McDONELL: Forty wounded protesters were taken to hospital, where three died. A further 12 people are reportedly in a serious condition. Stephen McDonell, Lateline.